Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen for Danny Welbeck to make his Manchester United loan move permanent, but accepts the Reds are unlikely to agree. The 20-year-old striker has had an outstanding first season on loan at Sunderland, and was rewarded last Tuesday with an England debut against Ghana.
Bruce told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "I would love to buy him, but I don't think that might be possible with the talent the kid's got.
"It isn't often Manchester United let one of their bright young players go."
That will not stop Bruce trying, but he is realistic about his prospects of success.
"We'll have a conversation in the summer," he said.
"But if I was a betting man, I think Sir Alex would be holding on to him - and maybe we could have him for another season if possible."
